To Keep or Not to Keep? Decisions To Make When Downsizing

When it comes to helping aging parents downsize, one of the hardest things is dealing with their emotional attachment to items and making decisions on what to keep, sell, donate, or discard.  There are fond memories attached to many of these belongings and it can be difficult emotionally to let them go.

In this post we’ll look at some tips for helping your parents determine which items will work in their new place. Here are five important questions to ask when deciding:

1)    Does it fit into the new space?

When it comes to furniture and other belongings that take up a significant amount of space, be sure to measure, measure, measure.  Sometimes your eyes can deceive you, take the time to measure the new space before bringing along your furniture.   If it doesn’t fit, that automatically eliminates the option of keeping the item. Now you can choose between selling, donating, or discarding the item.

2)    Is it appropriate for the new lifestyle?

Sure, an item might fit, but another important consideration is whether the item in question “appropriate” for the new space your parents are moving into. Moving to a new location is a good reason to start fresh with some new and updated furniture and accessories.  Larger items like a formal dining room table, may have no place in the new home.

3)    How often will it be used?

How often an item is used is another big factor in deciding whether to keep it or not. Ask your parents: “when was the last time you used this?” If it hasn’t been touched in over a year, that’s a sign that the item will probably not be missed and should go.

Of course, there are some exceptions– for example, maybe the item in question is a family heirloom that’s more of a showpiece rather than something that can be used on a daily basis. In that case, if the new place can accommodate it, there is no reason for your parents not to keep it. Another option is to store the item or collection at another family member’s home rather than selling or donating.

4)    Is it useful today?

When deciding if you should spend the time and effort to sell something, it’s important to gauge whether the item is useful today. Trying to sell a low value item can create more headaches than simply giving it away.  Check Kijiji or Ebay for similar items to get an idea on selling price and if it’s worth the effort.

5)    Is it in good condition?

 Evaluating the condition of an item is especially important when it comes to sorting through clothing and shoes. Downsizing to a new home is the ideal time to also help your aging parents downsize and de-clutter their wardrobes.  Some older items may not be worth the move and can be put to better use by donating it.  It’s also a great reason to treat your parents to a little shopping trip to celebrate the move!

 No doubt, the downsizing process can be overwhelming. The most important thing to take away here is to be understanding that your parents may not want to get rid of certain sentimental things, but at the same time be realistic to ensure that they are not bringing unnecessary clutter to their new place.

If you have any questions about downsizing to a smaller space, feel free to contact me here or leave a comment below.